Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says Anthony Martial needs time to adapt to his management but has also warned the Frenchman he must improve if he wants a starting spot.

Martial, 20, has started seven league games this term and has scored just once.

The France international was the club’s top scorer last season with 17 goals but he’s failed to replicate the form he showed under Louis van Gaal with Mourinho this term.

Martial’s plight mirrors that of Henrikh Mkhitaryan earlier in the season and Mourinho has challenged Martial must adapt to his playing style if he’s to earn a place in his starting XI. t

‘Every player is different. I had this season a situation that was more difficult than Anthony – Mkhitaryan,’ said Mourinho.

‘Mkhitaryan was completely open and completely understood the difference between me and other coaches he had.

‘The difference between the demands of the Premier League and the Ukrainian league or even Bundesliga, complete different philosophy of play. And he worked a lot without playing, but he worked a lot to try to reach the level.

‘I think Anthony is very, very young – people forget – and last season Manchester United played completely differently to how we do today.

‘He was basically playing up front. The team had lots of passive ball possession, just waiting to put it into space for Anthony to go and score a goal. This season is more difficult. He needs a little bit of time to improve.’